Peacekeeping forces in Ukraine! Macron and Starmer's plan fails without US support

Great Britain and France are unable to convince other European countries to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine without US military support. So far, only London and Paris have firmly stated their readiness to send their own troops to Ukraine. Other countries are still hesitant to join them due to growing doubts about the US's willingness to guarantee support for the peacekeeping mission, The Wall Street Journal reports.

French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting on Thursday, which brought together 31 countries, including Canada and Australia, with the specific aim of boosting military aid to Ukraine and determining what security guarantees European countries are prepared to offer Kiev.

However, after hours of talks, no country has publicly committed to sending troops, the WSJ notes. Only later did Macron say that several countries had privately expressed their willingness to send peacekeepers to Ukraine.

However, at the heart of European concerns is the question of whether the United States would play a role in supporting the European contingent if it were attacked by Russia.

“I would like the Americans to participate in our negotiations,” Macron said. “But we must be prepared for a situation in which they may not join us.“

According to the WSJ, French and British officials see the troop plan as a means of securing a seat at the negotiating table with Russia:

“By deploying troops to Ukraine, France and Britain are seeking to deter future Russian attacks while also demonstrating to Washington that Europe is ready to shoulder the burden of providing security in Ukraine.“

Meanwhile, French officials are confident that European countries will provide naval and air assets, which they plan to add to any troops on the ground. A bigger question mark, however, is finding enough troops to deploy on the ground.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said it is crucial that Washington supports any deployment, although it is still unclear whether there will be a peace deal or ceasefire agreement to allow the troops to be sent.

London is considering several scenarios, from a ceasefire to a full-fledged peace treaty. But they all depend to varying degrees on US support.

“Even a pause in fighting on the front lines would require real-time surveillance by US satellites. French and British officials have said they also need US missile defense systems to support any troops they send to Ukraine, as well as logistical support such as aerial refueling and transport planes to move the troops,“ the WSJ reported.